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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Detection of Neu1 Sialidase Activity in Regulating TOLL-like Receptor Activation
Published on: September 7, 2010
Roles of plasma membrane-associated sialidase NEU3 in human cancers
Taeko Miyagi1, Tadashi Wada, Kazunori Yamaguchi
1Biochemistry Division, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, 47-1 Nodayama, Medeshima-shiode, Natori, Miyagi, 981-1293, Japan. miyagi-ta173@pref.miyagi.jp
Abstract:
Altered sialylation of glycosphingolipids is observed in cancer as a ubiquitous phenotype, leading to the appearance of tumor-associated antigens, aberrant adhesion and disturbance of transmembrane signaling. To understand the pathological significance of aberrant alterations of gangliosides in cancer, our studies have been focused on sialidase, which is responsible for the removal of sialic acids from glycoproteins and glycolipids. Among human sialidases so far identified, sialidase NEU3 is a key enzyme for ganglioside degradation because of its uniqueness both in its localization in the plasma membrane and in specifically hydrolyzing gangliosides. NEU3 is markedly up-regulated in many types of cancers including colon and renal carcinomas and suppresses apoptosis of cancer cells. The present paper briefly summarizes our recent results on the sialidase alterations and their significance in cancer. NEU3 is indeed closely related to malignancy and thus may be a potential target for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Insights
Altered sialylation in cancer involves the enzyme sialidase NEU3, which is upregulated in many cancers. This enzyme promotes cancer malignancy and may serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Altered sialylation of glycosphingolipids is a common cancer phenotype, affecting tumor antigens, cell adhesion, and signaling.
- Sialidases, enzymes that remove sialic acids, are crucial for understanding these alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological significance of aberrant ganglioside alterations in cancer.
- To focus on the role of sialidase NEU3 in cancer development and progression.
Main Methods:
- Focus on the human sialidase NEU3, noting its plasma membrane localization and specific hydrolysis of gangliosides.
- Summarize recent findings on sialidase alterations and their implications in cancer.
Main Results:
- Sialidase NEU3 is significantly upregulated in various cancers, including colon and renal carcinomas.
- NEU3 suppresses apoptosis in cancer cells, contributing to malignancy.
- NEU3 is closely linked to cancer malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Sialidase NEU3 plays a critical role in cancer progression.
- NEU3 represents a potential target for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
